The Rev. Ken DeGroot Legacy of Leadership Award Application

If you have a proven record of leadership and a passion for making a positive difference, you may be eligible for The Rev. Ken DeGroot Legacy of Leadership Award of up to $8,000, disbursed over four years. This award honors Father Ken’s lifelong dedication to service and his ability to bring people together in the spirit of our Norbertine heritage. Like Norbert of Xanten, Father Ken led with vision, compassion, and a commitment to reconciliation. Recipients of this award are recognized for their capacity to guide, inspire, and unite others while working toward peace, human dignity, and the common good.

Application review factors include:

Exceptional leadership potential and demonstrated ability to motivate and guide others
A strong record of community service that fosters connection, engagement, and mutual understanding
Outstanding personal talents or exceptional co-curricular involvement throughout high school

Award recipient expectations:

Serve on a planning committee for an event hosted by the Holton Center during the first year.
Participate in the Early Arrival Students Taking Academic Responsibility (STAR) program during your first year. In the case of conflicting sports - must participate in a program throughout the year.
Serve as The Holton Center Advocates and participate in two events/programs in each of their Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year.

Recipients are called to embrace the values of:

Peacebuilding – leading efforts toward reconciliation and sustainable peace
Human Dignity – honoring the sacred worth of all persons and advocating for the common good, striving for justice without exclusion — both locally and globally
Education – seeking knowledge that equips you for transformative leadership
Responsibility – recognizing that leadership carries a duty to improve the world around you

Failure to meet these requirements may affect your award standing.

Name and Personal Data

Student's Legal First Name*

Preferred Name

Student's Last Name*

Cell Phone

Email Address*

Academic Information

Birthdate*

Current School Name*

Current School CEEB Code*
CEEB Code will fill automatically when you select your Current School Name above.

Country

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Region

Postal Code

GPA*
Cumulative weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale

Extra Curriculars
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ACT or SAT Score
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Essay

Please answer the required essay question thoroughly. A couple of recommendations:

Your essay should be written in an academic voice, using formal language, and include appropriate formatting (Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins).
Your essay should be between 500 and 750 words and organized into a five paragraph essay format
Your essay should simply witness to your personal character traits; be yourself and share honestly!

Formatting Guidelines:

Font: Times New Roman, 12-point size.
Spacing: Double-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
Word Count: 500 to 750 words.
Citations: Use MLA, APA, or Chicago style for any quotes or external sources you include.

Refer to CollegeVine’s Tips for Writing a Standout Community Service Essay if you need help brainstorming about this process.

In this essay, you will reflect on how your leadership experiences and commitment to service have shaped your character and goals. The purpose is to demonstrate how you have guided, inspired, and united others while working toward peace, human dignity, and the common good. Consider specific examples of events, roles, or community involvement that highlight your leadership potential, your dedication to serving others, and your ability to live out the values of peacebuilding, education, and responsibility.